B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell Charged with Drunk Driving

VANCOUVER (pns) - The premier of British Columbia was arrested on Maui, Hawaii and charged with drunk driving.

Premier Campbell was pulled over at 1:23 a.m. on Honoapi'ilani Highway near Napilihau Street, according to Lahaina District police Capt. Lawrence Hudson.

Mr. Campbell, 54, was taken to the Wailuku Police Station where he was fingerprinted, posted $257 bail, and was released at 9:40 a.m. A tentative court date was set for March 25.

News of Premier’s arrest spread rapidly across U.S. and Canada, some politicians including New Democratic Party leader Joy MacPhail, are demanding that the premier step down.

During Sunday’s news conference, a tearful B.C. Premier said he won't resign after being charged with drunk driving in Hawaii.

"Words cannot begin to convey the remorse and profound regret I feel for my actions," Mr. Campbell, said at packed press conference. "How could I have been so stupid? There are no simple answers. I made a terrible, terrible mistake."

Gordon Campbell's mea culpa was broadcast live on CBC Newsworld.

Statement by B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell on Sunday regarding his arrest Friday on a drunk-driving charge in Maui, Hawaii:

Thank you for coming. I want to take this opportunity to talk to the people of our province.

For almost 20 years, I have sought the privilege of public service. I have always recognized that that privilege carried with it obligations that are both personal and public.

Without a doubt, the last 60 hours have been among the most difficult in my life.

On Thursday, I went for dinner at the home of two friends, Kathy Baldazzi and Fred Latremouille. It's an annual event that I've done during my vacation in Maui.

That night I arrived at about 5:30. We had dinner, we had a barbecue, and I left at about one.

On my way home, I was pulled over by police and asked to do a roadside breathalyser test. I agreed.

The officer told me he was going to charge me with driving under the influence. As I have said, I do not intend to contest that charge.

Words cannot begin to convey the remorse and profound regret that I feel for my actions and for the hurt and disappointment I have caused for others — above all, my family, my caucus colleagues, my constituents and the people of British Columbia.

Let this be understood: this misjudgment happened on my personal vacation. This is utterly my responsibility. It had nothing to do with the discharge of my duties with my staff, my colleagues or officials.

This mistake was solely my own and I am completely responsible.

I understand that when we are elected, we must discharge our duties in a responsible manner. However, as premier, I have another obligation. That's to lead by example.

I had that obligation to every family in British Columbia. I let you down and I am sorry.

Looking back, I ask myself always: how could I have been so stupid? Why didn't I just stay overnight? Why didn't I take a cab? There are no sensible answers to those questions.

I wish I could take those moments back and rerun them, but that can't be done.

There is no good way to put this. I made a terrible, terrible mistake. What should have been an occasion for family rest and rejuvenation with friends and family instead became an instance of severe misjudgment and personal indiscretion. I made a terrible mistake, one that could've had tragic consequences, and I am grateful that no one was physically hurt because of my actions.

To the people of British Columbia and to the people of Maui: I am deeply sorry and I ask for your forgiveness.

I want British Columbians to know that I will continue to co-operate fully with the U.S. authorities in dealing with this incident.

British Columbians should also know this: although I am not a heavy drinker, I have been a social drinker. That said, I also have experienced with my own family, in the most painful way possible, the consequences of excessive drinking.

That is what makes my actions in this instance all the more disturbing and disappointing for myself and for those who know me.

Over the last two days, I've asked myself time and again how could I make such a terrible mistake. I can tell you, with my family background, this is frightening.

I will be seeking professional help to determine if I have an alcohol problem. While I do not believe I have a problem, I recognize that I do have a responsibility. I will not drink again.

Next Thursday, I will also be meeting with my caucus to apologize to them personally for my misjudgment.

I recognize that for many of you, my personal actions on Jan. 10 have undermined the trust that you placed in me. I chose public service because I believe public life is important. I know I have to re-earn your confidence and I am totally committed to doing that.

Most of all, I want to apologize publicly to my wife, to my sons and to my family. This is my personal responsibility and I am truly sorry.